I was primed and ready on Monday morning to put together a celebratory blog after the Cobblers shot to the top of the League Two table after an enthralling victory at Luton Town. But as I started gathering my thoughts and browsing social media for snippets of information the saddest of news items began to circulate.
Rob Dunkley, known to many Cobblers fans, tragically passed away just hours after watching his beloved Cobblers produce another remarkable performance to rise to top spot. I didn’t know Rob well enough to even come close to putting together the right words but I’ll do my best based on what I did know about one of the most popular and friendliest Northampton Town supporters there was.
As many reading this would have, I first met Rob on an away day. His biggest quality was making you feel like you were best mates within seconds of meeting him and there was a gentle warmth about him that was as genuine as you’ll find on any terrace or pub. From then on, whenever I’d see Rob at home or away games, he’d come over and have a chat and also get talking to anyone else I’d brought along for the day.
Rob was a wealth of information on the match day referee, previous meetings between clubs and everything in between and loved his football club, following them up and down the country no matter what the financial or footballing set back.
More importantly, Rob was a gentleman and a friend to anyone he came into contact with. Northampton Town were lucky to have him. We were lucky to share great highs and lows with him.
Rob was at Kenilworth Road for his final game and he leaves this world with the club and people he was so loyal to not only saved but sitting on top of the league. If there is any solace at all to take from this awful news, it’s knowing this.
There will be a minute’s applause in the 35th minute for Rob during Saturday’s game with Portsmouth.
Rest in Peace our friend xx
A Load Of Cobblers 